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Thomastown

Browse around Karen Morgan's contemporary pottery shop in Thomastown, before paying a visit to Jerpoint Glass to learn about the craft of glass blowing. Continue on to Jerpoint Abbey, built in 1180AD. From the Abbey, drive on the same road and you will see Goatsbridge Trout Farm, which is a must for all fish lovers. Continue on to Jerpoint Park you will enjoy the wonderful experiences of Jerpoint Park, Ireland's best surviving example of a deserted 12th Century Medieval Town. Finally, stop into the magnificent Mount Juliet Estate for well-deserved refreshments.

In a country famous for the quality of its angling, it is still rare for visitors to achieve the combination of delights found along the Nore at Mount Juliet. Angling tuition is also available at Mount Juliet, to learn the craft of fly fishing.

Oldtown Farmhouse is a spacious and friendly Kilkenny Bed and Breakfast based on a family run farm, situated on an elevated site with scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Oldtown Farmhouse B&B is home to an award winning and world renowned propagation nursery and 2000-year-old Ring Fort, where guests can receive a complimentary guided tour. Nearby attractions and adventure activities are just a stone's throw away with Mount Juliet Hotel and Golf Club just 1km away and Kell's Priory, Jerpoint Abbey, Jerpoint Glass and Kiltorcan Raceway Karting just 5 minutes away.

Visit the unique Heritage Site in Jerpoint Park and enjoy a guided tour of the footprints of a deserted 12th Century Medieval town dating back to 1200AD. Your local guide will delve into the history and importance of this once thriving town called Newtown Jerpoint. Take a step back in time and explore the standing remains of St. Nicholas's Church, the domestic tower and the stunning 14th Century Medieval Tomb. Jerpoint Park also offers Angling for wild Salmon and wild brown trout or why not try something completely unique and come watch our Sheep Dog demonstration, showcasing man and dog working together as one.

The Kilkenny School of Food, Thomastown is a unique rural development initiative, funded through LEADER, with support from Kilkenny County Council and others. Its mission is to be a chef training hub in Ireland, to provide the hospitality industry with professionally trained staff. It offers accredited courses in Culinary Skills and professional chef training as well as classes for the amateur.

Evening and weekend courses range from ‘Tuscan Pasta and Sauces’ to ‘Raw Foods’ and includes such topics as Indian Spices and Japanese cooking. Groups can be catered for – hen parties, company days out, team bonding.

Kilfane Glen and Waterfall is a pristine example of a romantic era garden dating from the 1790s. Untouched for 200 years, it is a picturesque paradise with a waterfall tumbling its way to a rushing stream and woodland paths leading to a cottage.